Has the IPL 2025 Mega Auction Seen Teams Effectively Utilize the New Right to Match (RTM) Rule?

The IPL 2025 Mega Auction introduced several new rules aimed at ensuring a fair and balanced process, with one of the most notable being the Right to Match (RTM) rule. This rule allowed teams to retain players by matching the highest bid made for them, providing them an opportunity to secure key players while maintaining squad balance. Many teams made strategic use of the RTM rule, leveraging it to secure key players back into their fold, while others refrained from using it due to the potential risks involved, such as overpaying for a player or disrupting team dynamics.

As we witnessed in the auction, the RTM rule was implemented with varying levels of success. Some franchises utilized it effectively, ensuring they kept hold of valuable players without breaking the bank, while others were cautious, avoiding potential pitfalls. This rule added a new layer of strategy to the auction, as teams had to weigh the benefits of retaining a player against the risk of an inflated price. The impact of the RTM rule on the overall auction dynamics was significant, as it influenced bidding wars, team strategies, and player valuations. As the IPL 2025 season approaches, it remains to be seen how this rule will shape team compositions and whether it will be a key factor in determining success.

A Game Changer

The Right to Match (RTM) rule in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction proved to be a game-changer, with strategic planning, quick judgment, and awareness being the key factors behind its successful application. Teams like Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) showcased smart use of the RTM. For instance, when Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bid for Noor Ahmad, who was initially bidded at ₹5 crore by CSK, Gujarat Titans used the Right to Match (RTM) rule to retain him. However, CSK, determined to secure Noor, placed a bid of ₹10 crore. In response, Gujarat Titans rejected the bid, opting not to retain the young spinner for the same price. This strategic use of the RTM rule by Gujarat Titans highlighted the growing importance of the rule in auction dynamics, as teams had to weigh the risks and rewards of matching bids to right players. 

Despite the apparent risk of overpaying, CSK's move made sense as they viewed Noor as a long-term investment, possibly filling the shoes of Ravichandran Ashwin in the future. The bidding war ultimately led to a higher price, but CSK’s strategy was clear—they were planning for the future. Had they quoted any lower, Gujarat Titans might have swooped in for Noor Ahmad.

The Rishabh Pant signing became another classic example of how the RTM rule reshaped auction dynamics. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), determined to get Pant, outbid Delhi Capitals, who initially wanted to use RTM to retain him. When Lucknow Super Giants quoted ₹27 crore for Pant, it shocked everyone, including Delhi Capitals, who couldn’t match that amount. LSG, knowing they had a substantial portion of their purse set aside for Pant, confidently secured him. This case highlighted how the RTM rule allowed teams to make proactive, well-planned decisions and invest in players who fit their future strategies.

The Case of Under Utilisation

However, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) found themselves in a tough spot. Despite having four RTMs, they failed to use them effectively on their key targets, such as Will Jacks. Mumbai Indians managed to secure Will Jacks for just ₹5.25 crore, with their purse being relatively small. RCB, with a larger budget, could have strategically used the RTM to either block Mumbai’s bid or drive up the price, potentially disrupting Mumbai’s overall auction strategy. Instead, RCB opted for Tim David over Will Jacks, allowing Mumbai to get their man at a bargain price. This decision led to some moments at the auction table between Aakash Ambani and RCB’s management. Had RCB used their RTM for Jacks, it could have thrown Mumbai off balance, forcing them to overspend on a player, potentially impacting their ability to complete their squad.

In conclusion, the Right to Match (RTM) rule in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction significantly affected the auction dynamics, offering teams the flexibility to retain key players or strategically block opponents. Teams like Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants used the rule effectively to secure players they valued, while others, like Royal Challengers Bangalore, missed opportunities to leverage it to their advantage. Ultimately, the RTM rule not only added a layer of strategy to the auction but also gave teams a chance to exercise control over their squad balance, shaping the direction of the tournament in the years to come.